37th Niijima International Glass Art Festival
第37回新島国際ガラスアートフェスティバル
37th Niijima International Glass Art Festival
第37回新島国際ガラスアートフェスティバル
The Niijima International Glass Art Festival aims to promote Niijima as an "Island of Glass," utilizing the island's unique glass materials and beautiful environment. The event seeks to foster the development of education, culture, industry, and tourism while deepening exchanges among people and contributing to the international community.
This year we are welcoming three world-renowned artists from the United States and Denmark. Each of them has a unique sensibility and possesses unparalleled skills.
During the workshops, participants will have the opportunity to observe and share in the process of creating these incredible works. By watching the artists work with Niijima glass, participants will gain valuable insights and learn a great deal.
We look forward to seeing you at the Festival and hope to see you on Niijima.
The 37th festival
The Niijima Glass Art Festival has been held every year in autumn. This year will be the 37th festival.
The Workshop
There are two classes: Glass Blowing and Flame Work.
This year, blowing program require students at least 3 years of basic technical mastery.
Application
Please apply from the form on this page
Openday
The Workshop will be open to visitors on October 26th and 27th. Please register in advance.。
SCHEDULE
| １７（Sat） | １８（Sun） | １９（Mon） | ２０（Tue） | ２１（Wed） | ２２（Thu） | ２３（Fri） | ２４（Sat） | ２５（Sun） | ２６（Mon） | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blowing | class starts | ---> | ---> | ---> | ---> | ---> | class ends | leave Niijima | ||
| FlameWork | class starts | ---> | ---> | ---> | ---> | ---> | class ends | leave Niijima | ||
| Events | Kid's workshop | Villager's Class |
class starts | Openday | --> | leave Niijima |
WORKSHOP
GlassBlowing
10/19-25
Master Class
Tobias Mohl
Requirement
Students should have more than 3-years glassblowing experience.
Tuition
¥120,000 yen (+ ¥100,000 for lodging and meals）
Tobias Møhl is a Danish master glassblower who harmonizes traditional Venetian cane-making techniques with a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic. With over 20 years of experience, including formative years at Holmegaard and studies under masters like Lino Tagliapietra, Møhl has developed a signature style defined by architectural restraint and organic expression.
His work focuses on deconstructing classical patterns to discover a more refined, personal vocabulary. By pushing the boundaries of multi-layered glassblowing, he transforms complex technical processes into minimalist, modern forms. Recently, through collaborative residencies, Møhl has explored the intersection of glass as both sculpture and drawing, utilizing a subdued color palette to create visually cohesive, sophisticated pieces.
An internationally acclaimed artist and recipient of the prestigious Reticello Prize, Møhl’s work is exhibited globally, representing a bridge between historical glassmaking traditions and the forefront of modern glass art.
A Letter to Students
Hello
I am very much looking forward to meeting all of you.I am very excited to go to Japan.During the class I will make demos of my personal work. My work is based on Venetian techniques, perhaps with a Scandinavian twist.I will show different techniques using cane, murini and optic mold. I will be happy to help students with their own work and technical issues related to the topics we demo in class.
--- Tobias Mohl
FlameWorking
10/19-25
The Poetics of Hollow form
Sibelle Yukusek
Requirement
More than 3-years lampworkig experience preffered.
Tuition
¥120,000 yen (+ ¥100,000 for lodging and meals）
Sibelle Yuksek works as an independent artist and teaches flameworking internationally. Her intricate pieces are inspired by figurative movement and aesthetics from manga, sci-fi, and mythology. She received her BFA in Communication Arts and in Craft/Material Studies with a Glass Focus from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. Her work can be seen in places like the Corning Museum shop and studio, as well as the permanent collection at the Flint Institute of Arts Museum. She has taught classes at Penland Craft School, Pilchuck Glass School, Corning Museum of Glass, Cam Ocağı, BCN Glass Studio, Berlin Flameworking Studio, Pittsburgh Glass Center and other private studios around the world.
A Letter to Students
I’m excited to share my techniques for hollow flameworked glass and look forward to working with you.This workshop is open to those who already have some experience in flameworking. You don’t need prior experience in hollow work specifically—just a willingness to learn and experiment. I’ll be guiding you throughout the process, regardless of your current skill level, so don’t hesitate to jump in. Curiosity and engagement matter far more than perfection here.
--- Sibelle Yukusek
